At that time

USAGE SUMMARY

"At that time" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a specific moment in the past. For example: "At that time, I could never have imagined where I would be now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At that time Capt.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At that time the Dept.

The New Yorker

"At that time we had no freedom.

The New York Times

At that time I had done plays.

The New York Times

At that time of year there is.

The New Yorker

At that time we cheered our "success".

The New York Times

At that time Mussolini was in Italy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At that time it was wild country.

The New Yorker

(At that time, they had three).

The New York Times

"At that time, he was the leader.

The New York Times - Sports

At that time, shots were fired.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "At that time" to clearly indicate a specific moment or period in the past, ensuring your audience understands the temporal context of your narrative or explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "At that time" without a clear reference point in your writing. Ensure the context makes it obvious which moment or period you're referring to, or else specify the date or event it relates to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "At that time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify when an action occurred or a state existed. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its temporal function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "At that time" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to specify a particular moment or period in the past. According to Ludwig, this phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. It's prevalent in news, encyclopedias, and scientific sources, indicating its suitability for both formal and informal contexts. When using "At that time", ensure that the temporal reference is clear and unambiguous. While phrases like "back then" or "in those days" can serve as alternatives, they may carry slightly different connotations regarding the specificity and duration of the time being referenced. By following these guidelines, you can confidently incorporate "At that time" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Back then

Refers to a less specific, more general time in the past.

In those days

Implies a period of time, rather than a single moment.

During that period

Emphasizes a span of time, suitable when describing events that unfolded over an interval.

At that moment

Highlights a specific, often critical, point in time.

On that occasion

Refers to a specific event or instance.

At that juncture

Indicates a critical point in time, often related to decision-making or change.

By then

Indicates a point in time before something else happened.

In retrospect

Implies looking back on a past event with current knowledge.

Previously

Simply indicates something that occurred before the current point in the narrative.

Earlier

Refers to a time before the present or before a specific point in time.

FAQs

How can I use "at that time" in a sentence?

Use "at that time" to specify a particular moment or period in the past. For example, "At that time, I lived in New York" clarifies when you resided in New York.

What are some alternatives to "at that time"?

Alternatives include phrases like "back then", "in those days", or "at that moment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "at that time" formal or informal?

"At that time" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might opt for a more precise phrase.

How does "at that time" differ from "at this time"?

"At that time" refers to a point in the past, while "at this time" refers to the present. Using the correct phrase ensures clarity regarding when the action or state occurred.